Allure Sample Society October Box

   Today I am reviewing my first ever Sample Society box. Unfortunately, I was kind of disappointed. I had heard that this program was kind of hit and miss, but I figured with a well known beauty authority like Allure behind it why not give them the benefit of the doubt? I'm still on the fence about this program, so I'm hoping that next month will change my mind and meet or exceed my expectations. Either way I will let you guys be the judge of whether you want to try this or not.

   The Sample Society is a monthly subscription ($15 monthly plus free shipping) where you receive 5-6 deluxe size samples of high end beauty and Skincare brands. You also receive a booklet with product descriptions and beauty tips which was nice, and a monthly $15 dollar off coupon. I would have been so happy about this, but unfortunately you have to spend $50 to get $15 off. That for me was a real pisser. That is absolutely no incentive whatsoever for me to purchase full sizes of anything I buy full size from their site. I guess it kind of is if the full sizes are $50, but if it's only like $20 why not just give me a coupon I can actually use for anything featured? I know it's marketing, but I don't like being pushed to spend more when I guarantee I can find what I want for cheaper than their asking price. 

   I did like the presentation of the box, it was very inviting. But I wish I felt as enthusiastic about the products as I was about the box. In my box I received a sample of Aromachology Clean and Fresh Eau de Parfum, an Herban Essentials Lavender towelette as an extra, a bottle of Oscar Blandi Pronto Wet Instant Volumizing Shampoo, a tube of Kate Somerville ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment, a tube of Jane Iredale Tantasia Self-Tanner,  and a small tube of Erno Laszlo Phormula 3-9 Repair Balm. 

   I feel like for Allure being behind this I should expect to be blown away, but I suppose you can't please everyone, right?


Aromachology's Clean and Fresh Eau de Parfum ($100 for full size)

   I thought the little bottle and the color of the fragrance was very pretty, and I liked the scent when I spritzed a little on my wrist. But I couldn't help but feel like I've smelled this before. Then I realized, the scent was remiscent of a dish soap or hand sanitizer to me. Not that it didn't smell nice, and I guess for the name of the fragrance it fits. But when I think of a fresh and clean fragrance I think notes of cotton and light florals, not Eau de Purell. I would definitely not buy the full size because I've tried better clean scent perfumes, but adding a mini piece of an expensive fragrance to my ever expanding collection is nice I suppose.


Jane Iredale's Tantasia Self-Tanner ($36 for full size)

   Ok I know I went out of my written order here, but I just had to do this next one. If anyone is on my same wavelength here, you'll be thinking the same thing I did when I saw this in the box - tanner? IN OCTOBER!? Are you kidding me? Is there really such a shortage of great fall beauty products even with Fashion Week having just passed not that long ago? I feel like maybe they were trying to get rid of excess samples of these or something, because this is not at all reminiscent of fall. And I know we don't take a beauty profile quiz, but isn't a tanner in every box kind of silly? I have an Olive skin tone, what the heck am I gonna do with a self tanner? And in October! Who's still looking to be beach ready in a sweater? Needless to say, I didn't try this. I honestly don't know what to do with it now though, maybe I'll give it someone to else who wants to look sunkissed in the middle of winter! Pretty illogical no?

makes sense to me :p

Kate Somerville's ExfoliKate Intensive Exfoliating Treatment
($85 for 2oz., $175 for 5oz.)

   I was ok with this product. And when I saw the price tag I was like holy crap, this had better be worth that! This exfoliant is supposed to help make your face brighter and also fight aging. It has a nice fresh botanical scent, and felt nice on my face. After using it my skin did look a little brighter, and felt nice and clean. But while I liked the results I don't think that I am willing to pay that much for a facial exfoliator that I didn't feel was worth the extravagant price. But if you're looking for a great exfoliator I recommend Origins' Modern Friction gentle dermabrasion, a 4.2 oz bottle is $38.50, but it lasts for what feels like forever! And if that's a bit too steep St. Ives' Apricot Scrub is amazing and only costs about 5 or 6 bucks. No need to break the bank for this expensive exfoliator when there are cheaper ones that are just as good or even better!


Erno Laszlo's Phormula 3-9 Repair Balm ($245 for full size! Holy Crap!)

   When I saw how expensive the full size of this was I nearly keeled over! I have to be honest, I think this was my favorite sample in the box. I was pretty disappointed with the box, but this product is amazing! This balm is supposed to help reduce the visibility of scars and dark spots, nourish dry skin patches and help heal sunburns. This balm is so versatile! I used it on the dry patches on the sides of my face and a scar on my forehead, and I have to say it did reduce visibility and nourished my dry skin! Me like an idiot forgot to take a before and after pic, so I can't show you the difference, but I swear this stuff really did work! I am not willing to fork over that much money for some face cream though, but I am glad I at least got to try it. Sigh, this is one of those times I wish I were loaded. If you do think you can afford this I say go for it, or if you can find it for less, definitely go for it! 

Oscar Blandi's Pronto Wet Hair Care ($24.00 for full size)

   This was another product I did like. It smells very nice, kind of like lemons. This shampoo is supposed to give hair instant volume and body while boosting moisture and removing build-up. It lathers very well so long as your hair isn't insanely oily, and washes out well. If you follow a hair routine this is a great addition, my hair was shiny and had life and bounce. So I do recommend this product, and for 24 dollars for 8.4 oz it isn't too pricey.



   So if you would like to try this program you can sign up here. Here's something pretty cool though, if you use my referral code KIKY6620, BeautyBar.com will donate up to $45 to charity. Hopefully next month's box will be something to rave about, so keep an eye out for the review!